I'm pleased to announce that Sir Mike & Lady Palmer have accepted the position of "Honorary Colonel of Noah's Arc".

Sir Mike called me today and we had a lengthy chat. Having attended the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, he was commissioned into the 14th/20th King's Hussars as a second lieutenant on 22 December 1948. He was given the service number 400011. Promoted to lieutenant on 22 December 1950, he was Adjutant of 14th/20th King's Hussars from 1953 to 1955, and was given the acting rank of captain on appointment. Promoted to captain on 22 December 1954, he served as Adjutant of the Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry from 1956 to 1959.[1]

He attended Staff College, Camberley in 1960 and, having been promoted to Major on 22 December 1961, he attended the Joint Services Staff College in 1965. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel on 30 June 1969 and between 1969 and 1972 he was commanding officer of the 14th/20th King's Hussars. He was promoted colonel on 30 June 1973. He went on to be Commander Royal Armoured Corps at Headquarters 1st (British) Corps in 1974 and, having been promoted to brigadier on 31 December 1974, he became Assistant Chief of Staff at Allied Forces Central Europe in 1976. He became Director Royal Armoured Corps on 8 December 1978 and was promoted to Major-General on 19 February 1980. He was Defence Services Secretary from 1982] to 1985, when he retired. On 21 March 1985, General Palmer was appointed Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO). Throughout his career he was supported by wife, Jilly.

Sir Mike is now aged 85. But don't think age has stunted his capacity - he's still as sharp as a razor!

He tells me that he is writing his memoirs (on computer). Now that is something for us all to look forward to.

Our Committee are honoured and delighted that Sir Mike & Lady Palmer have joined us. He tells me that he wants the name and memory of the 14th/20th King's Hussars to live on forever. There cannot be a more fitting appointment.

My thanks to John Molloy - John was batman to Lt Colonel Palmer and he has helped broker the appointment.

Sir Mike sends his best wishes to everyone who remembers him - I guess that will be a lot of you Our letterhead will now show "Honorary Colonel: Sir Mike & Lady Palmer".

If you want to send a welcome message to Sir Mike leave it below and I'll send them on to him.

Service Details: Served from 1967 - 1992Served in all SQNS (I include C Sqn as I was SSM of it but we always referred to it as BMT Sqn) Finished as RQMS in 1992 and served with the regiment in Paderborne, Hong Kong & Singapore, Hohne, N.I. Bovington and Warminster, Catterick & Muenster and IraqPostings:Rheindahlen, DLOY(Preston & Swinton),BMATT - Zimbabwe.

Well that is Fantastic news, that Sir Mike and Lady Palmer are joining the ranks.

For my money Sir Mike was the most Revered and Respected Commanding Officer of the 14th 20th Kings Hussars ever !

It is fitting I think, that now as an Old Boy himself, he once again Leads all the other Old Boys, that he knew during his time in the Regiment !

Sir Mike gave me the coveted? Title of Regimental Decorator, when on an interview with him, he found out that, that was what I did prior to joining up, and one of my first designated tasks, was to paint the cellars in his Married Quarters, in time for a party he was throwing

Ah Happy days! His lovely wife, Jilly, waited on me hand and foot, with refreshments whilst I was doing it, what a lovely Lady !

So it is with the greatest Pleasure that I welcome Sir Mike, and Lady Jilly aboard the phenomenon that is Noah's Arc !

Pete Farrell (AKA Ferdy)

Chairman of Noah's ARC...........The Club of the 14th/20th King's Hussars

Fantastic News. First met Sir Mike at Crookham Camp in 1951.he was Regimental Education Officer, and guided me through both my ACE Class1. And Class 2.Many thanks Sir, it stood me in stead for the rest of my life, what i missed because of the war years, Sir Mike made up for in about six months before leaving for MELF in Tripoli, Welcome Sir, and will make every effort to be at next years Noah's Arc Reunion to see you.